Folk signs for May 31: what can and cannot be done
In Russia, omens have been given special importance since ancient times. They were used to judge the weather, when to sow and harvest, and what to expect in the future. Therefore, every day of the national calendar was full of rituals and superstitions. Izvestia tells about the popular signs of May 31 and what church holidays are celebrated on this day.
Folk signs for May 31
In Russia, Fedot Ovsyanik Day was celebrated on May 31. The holiday got its name for a reason. It was on this day that the sowing of oats, one of the most important grain crops, was usually completed. Delay threatened a meager harvest or none at all. Therefore, the peasants spent the last day of spring in the field.
Fedotov's day was a kind of final line, signifying the end of the sowing season. After that, farmers switched to caring for seedlings and preparing for haymaking. In the old days, on this date it was customary not only to work, but also to conduct special rituals to "appease" the earth and the coming summer.
In some regions, a piece of bread was left on the field in gratitude to nature and in the hope of a prosperous year. Ritual biscuits in the form of oatmeal ears or horses were also baked on the holiday, which were served to neighbors and young ploughmen.
Great importance was attached to weather signs. It was believed that June would be like Fedot Ovsyanik. If it rained warmly in the morning with a thunderstorm, the peasants rejoiced.: this promised a rich harvest of oats. This rain was called the "irrigation of grace." But the cold north wind foreshadowed prolonged rains in the first decade of June, which was detrimental to seedlings.
Other signs of the day:
- strong wind leads to changeable weather in the coming days;
- morning dew is plentiful — by a clear day;
- birds sing loudly and actively — for sustainable warmth;
- Clouds are moving fast across the sky, leading to a rapid deterioration in the weather.;
- the fog is spreading on the ground — by rainy June.
What not to do on May 31
On the feast of Fedot the Fescue, there were certain prohibitions, primarily related to respect for the earth and natural forces. It was believed that one should not be lazy on this day, otherwise one can "scare away" luck and a good harvest. They were also afraid of quarrels and conflicts, believing that negative emotions could lead to long-term discord in the family.
What else can not be done on May 31:
- rough handling of the land leads to failures in the economy;
- complaining about fate leads to a deterioration of life circumstances;
- leaving half—eaten bread on the table at night is a sign of distress;
- to start business without preparation — they will not bring results.
What is the church holiday on May 31
On May 31 (May 18, Old style), the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra and the seven virgin martyrs who suffered for the Christian faith at the beginning of the fourth century during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Theodotus was an innkeeper in the city of Ancyra, but at the same time he secretly helped Christians, sheltered them and supported them in difficult times.
He also collected the bodies of the dead martyrs and gave them a Christian burial. Among them were seven martyred virgins who refused to worship pagan gods and were persecuted. According to legend, they were drowned in the lake, but the bodies were found and buried with honor thanks to Theodotus. His activities were exposed, after which the saint was tortured and executed.
On the same day, St. Macarius (in the world Mikhail Glukharev), Altai Archimandrite, an outstanding missionary of the 19th century, is remembered. He devoted his life to educating the peoples of Siberia and Altai, translated liturgical texts into local languages, and actively engaged in spiritual mentoring.
Makarii was the first missionary of the Russian Orthodox Church in Gorny Altai. During his mission, he faced enormous difficulties. Wild tribes avoided it, were illiterate and lived in harsh conditions. But, driven by the love of Christ, he studied their language and way of life, built houses for the newly baptized, taught agriculture and crafts, converting many residents to Orthodoxy.
Prayers on May 31
They pray to the Martyr Theodotus of Ancyra and the seven virgins for the gift of courage and firmness in faith, especially in times of trial and injustice. Saint Theodotus, who healed the sick, is also asked for help in illnesses and infirmities. St. Macarius of Altai is revered as the heavenly patron saint of missionaries, teachers, and translators. They pray to Him for help in matters related to education and spiritual development.
Prayer to Theodotus of Ancyra
Troparion, glas 4:
"Thy martyr, O Lord, Theodotus, in his suffering, received an incorruptible crown from Thee, our God: for thou hast thy strength, overthrow the tormentors, and crush the demons of feeble insolence. Save our souls through your prayers."
Kontakion, glas 2:
"Strive painfully for good, with your compassionate ones, Theodore, and enjoy crowns of honor with honest passion-bearing virgins. In the meantime, pray to Christ God incessantly for all of us."
Prayer to Macarius of Altai
Troparion, glas 4:
"By the love of Christ, we strive to proclaim the true faith. You came to the people of Altai, Venerable our Father Macarius. Instructing them by your word and life, you led many to salvation, which you also vouchsafed us through your prayers."
Kontakion, glas 3:
"We have avoided pagan wickedness, and through your preaching we have come to know the Creator of lights. Worshipping Him in the Trinity, we beseech you, Equal-to-the-Apostles Macarius, to keep your children in the true faith of Christ through your intercession before God."
Earlier, Izvestia reported on folk and church traditions on Evdokia Svistunya Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
